Australians detained by Israel while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza could soon receive help from the federal government.

Australia has made a formal request to Israeli authorities for consular access to its citizens and information about how they have been detained, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Five Australians, who were taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, are believed to be in custody after Israeli forces intercepted almost all 42 vessels in the fleet.

“I get that Australians want to see aid flow, particularly basic aid like food and medicines to civilians in Gaza,” Health Minister Mark Butler told Sunrise on Friday.

“We have provided clear advice for Australians not to take part in these attempts to break the naval blockade because of the obvious

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